Coyote Canyon Caballos d’Anza
Wild Horses in Coyote Canyon, San Diego County, CA

Colonial Spanish horses were first introduced in the coastal regions of San Diego County by settlement of the missions and ranches. Introduction of this particular breed of horses to the Cahuilla Native Americans first occurred by way of the 1772 Pedro Feges and 1774 Anza expeditions through Coyote Canyon. This band of Native Americans made their home in and around Coyote Canyon which is located at the northeast corner of San Diego County. Long before western settlement, Horse Canyon was named after the residing herd of horses in a Coyote Canyon tributary.

During the 1851 Garra revolt and raid on Warners Ranch, the Cahuilla’s added to their Coyote Canyon herd. At the turn of the century, Native Wrangler Carlos Moreno referred to the canyon horses as “The Ranch Ramuda”. Bands of the herd ranged east and west as far as Beauty Mountain, into the surrounding mountain valleys. Subsequent Cahuilla ranching extended into the surrounding mountains and valleys well into the late 1970’s until the land transfer of BLM lands to California State Parks. The Coyote Canyon herd remained small, about forty, until their removal by Anza Borrego State Park Officials in 2003.

Significant as the last wild herd in Southern California, it is representative of a rapidly vanishing element of the historical cultural landscape. Congress unanimously declared in 1971 that wild free roaming horses and burros are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West; (and) that they contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American People.  The preservation of this irreplaceable heritage is in the public interest so that its vital legacy of cultural, educational, aesthetic, and inspirational benefits will be maintained and enriched for the future generations of Americans.

The American Public so valued their heritage and public lands that Congress passed the Nation Historic Preservation Act.  It was the primary piece of legislation passed in 1966, designed to protect the human environment without halting or unduly slowing needed public works and other development. The Act states “Congress finds and declares that the spirit and direction of the Nation are founded upon, and reflected in, its historic heritage.”

Motives for Preservation were stated as “Knowing and Understanding our Past, Inspiration For Future Generations, Recognition and Commemoration Of Past Events and Persons, Providing A Sense Of Roots and Identity”.

Historic Preservation includes Identification, documentation, curation, acquisition, protection, management, rehabilitation, restoration, stabilization, maintenance and reconstruction, or any combination of the foregoing activities. The historical and cultural foundations of the Nation should be preserved as a living part of our community life and development in order to give a sense of orientation to the American people.

The Coyote Canyon Herd is a historic distinct population that was sequestered more than two centuries from other wild horse herds.  It meets the criteria of both state and federal statutes of endangered and threatened species.

1. “Endangered” when its survival and reproduction in the wild are in immediate jeopardy from one or more causes, including loss of habitat, change in habitat, over exploitation, predation, competition, disease, or other factors; or

2. “Rare” when either: Although not presently threatened with extinction, the species is existing in such small numbers throughout all or a significant portion of its range that it may become endangered if its environment worsens; or

3. The species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range and may be considered “threatened” as that term is used in the Federal Endangered Species Act.  

Through multiple agency management plans, the Coyote Canyon horses were removed from their federally designated herd area. With the assistance of California Senator Bill Morrow and BLM, Coyote Canyon Caballos d’Anza rescued four of the Wild Stallions with the BLM  promise that the herd could be restored pending acquisition of permanent range.  Foundation mares are available to reestablish, maintain and preserve a unique gene pool.

Kathleen Hayden & Cindy McDonald  were featured guests on The Nature Connection online radio show airing on Jan. 23, 2009 from 2-4pm PST. To meet the rest of the guests and listen to the show, please click here.


Coyote Canyon Caballos d’Anza was formed as a 501 3c to acquire permanent local BLM sanctuary in lieu of the Coyote Canyon Herd Area in Anza Borrego Desert State Park.  The currently vacant Beauty Mountain grazing allotment is a viable option.  It is within the proposed Bono Mack/ Feinstein Wilderness Bill proposal. The 1945 California Riding and Hiking Trail, California’s first legislated trail, lies within the allotment and provides the public opportunity to experience this unique part of California History.  Restoration of the Coyote Canyon horses and the Trail would maintain both historic icons NOW, and into the future.

Please contact Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, Congressman Darrel Issa and request an emergency and permanent Wild Horse sanctuary on Beauty Mountain.